Jakarta. Indonesia’s national anthem, Indonesia Raya, can be played freely at sporting events and other public occasions without incurring royalty fees, the country’s football association confirmed on Monday.

PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir said he had clarified the matter with Justice Minister Supratman Andi Agtas, following public debate over whether the anthem was subject to copyright.

“The justice minister stated that the national anthem clearly belongs to the public domain, so there should be no further dispute,” Erick told reporters.

Unlike commercial music, which is protected under copyright law and requires royalty payments, Indonesia Raya -- composed by Wage Rudolf Supratman -- is exempt from such obligations.

Erick stressed that while the anthem is royalty-free, the PSSI fully respects copyright rules when it comes to commercial music played at football matches.

“We always comply with royalty regulations because they involve the rights of musicians and songwriters,” he said, noting the example of legendary Indonesian rock band God Bless, which performed during the national team’s home match against China on June 5 in the Asian World Cup qualifiers.

The royalty issue first arose after Indonesia’s National Collective Management Agency (LMKN) suggested that national songs used in commercial events might be subject to fees. However, LMKN Chairman Andi Mulhaman Tambolotutu later clarified that the national anthem falls under the category of “fair use.”

“All Indonesians are free to use the national anthem without paying royalties,” Andi said in Yogyakarta on Friday.